First Australian nectarine variety comes from a cabinet maker turned entrepreneur

Perth can expect more locally grown nectarines on the shelves for longer, thanks to this man.
Michael Tranchita has developed the April Jewel, the first Australian nectarine variety.

“All the other varieties are made in America — this is the first ever nectarine variety to be commercially developed in Australia,” the Roleystone grower said. The April Jewel stays on the tree for longer than other nectarines, extending the WA growing season and keeping local fruit on the shelves for longer. “Usually the nectarine season starts in late November and finishes in early March, so this will extend the season into April,” he said. This is the first year the April Jewel is in full commercial production, with about 20 growers across WA producing the fruit. Last year a small number of the nectarines were sold in WA and Mercer Mooney market agent Carla Fry said they were a success. “I’m very proud to be selling a WA bred nectarine it’s pretty special,” she said. She said the fruit was highly sought after and attracted a premium due to the low supply of nectarines at this time of year. People can expect to pay from $5/kg to $7/kg for the April Jewel. Mr Tranchita, a cabinet- maker by trade who grows fruit as a hobby, took 10 years to develop it from seed to production. “It was a chance seedling, which normally don’t produce but this one came up,” he said.

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